Olympique de Marseille chased Rennes from the podium by correcting Toulouse (6-1), taking advantage of the defeat of the Bretons in Reims (3-1), the first in 18 matches, Thursday during the last matches of the 16th day of the League 1. OM even come back to within three lengths of Lens (2nd), held in check in Nice (0-0) after five victories in a row.
The white jerseys ensured the show at the Vélodrome, after 45 days of interruption for the World Cup. Valentin Rongier, who scores less than once per season, opened the scoring, and above all Sead Kolasinac scored a magnificent goal, a fine tribute to King Pelé, with a “Brazilian” series of wheels in the area.
Lens wedge
Dimitri Payet managed a skylight before putting on his traditional Santa Claus cap, then Cengiz Ünder from the penalty spot and Nuno Tavares closed the scoring. Téfécé unwittingly contributed to the show with the goal against his camp by Rasmus Nicolaisen with a surprising sequence of two headers.
If OM resumed their pre-World Cup ascent, Lens stalled in Nice after a sad goalless draw. The Sang et Or remain dolphins of PSG missed the opportunity to reduce the gap with the leader that they will receive on Sunday at Bollaert.
With the Parisian victory against Strasbourg (2-1) on Wednesday, Kylian Mbappé’s team is seven points ahead of the Artésiens.
Lorient marks time
Rennes brakes even more brutally than Lens. Undefeated for 17 matches, Bruno Genesio’s men fell under the blows of Folarin Balogun, author of a double including a superb volley, and Alexis Flips, also author of a beautiful volley.
At the bottom of the standings, Montpellier, which had not won since September 17, halted its fall with a jewel of a free kick from its captain, Téji Savanier, and another goal from its promise Elye Wahi. La Paillade takes a little air with four lengths ahead of the first relegation, Brest (17th).
On the other hand, the “Hakes”, a surprise at the start of the season, are clearly marking time, they have only taken three points in the last six matches and are down to 7th place.